Citywide Landscaping Services

Location:	California
Posted:	Feb 3, 2026
Due:	Feb 24, 2026
Agency:	City of Del Mar
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	S - Utilities and Training Services
Solicitation No:	2026-01
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Bid Number:	2026-01
Bid Title:	Citywide Landscaping Services
Category:	Contract Services
Status:	Open

Description:

The City of Del Mar (City) is seeking proposals from qualified companies (Contractors) to provide scheduled and as-needed citywide landscaping services. The City intends to enter into a three-year agreement with the selected Contractor, with the option of extending the agreement for an additional two-year period.

Questions and inquiries regarding this RFP must be received by 5:30 p.m. PST on Thursday, February 12, 2026, and directed in writing by email to Polly Robertson, Management Analyst, at For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. . All inquiries must reference “RFP 2026-01 Citywide Landscaping Services” in the title or subject line. Questions and inquiries submitted over the telephone will not be accepted.

Proposals are due on or before Tuesday, February 24, 2026, no later than 5:30 p.m. PST. Your proposal should be submitted via email to Polly Robertson, Management Analyst, at For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. . The submittal must reference “RFP 2026-01 Citywide Landscaping Services” in the title or subject line. Facsimile submittals will not be accepted.

Publication Date/Time:

2/3/2026 12:00 AM

Closing Date/Time:

2/24/2026 5:30 PM

Attachment Preview

CITY OF DEL MAR, CALIFORNIA

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

No. 2026-01

CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING SERVICES

I. INTRODUCTION

A. General Information

The City of Del Mar (City) is seeking proposals from qualified companies (Contractors) to

provide scheduled and as-needed citywide landscaping services.

The City intends to enter into a three-year agreement with the selected Contractor, with the

option of extending the agreement for an additional two-year period. A copy of the City’s

standard agreement is included with this Request for Proposals (RFP) as Attachment F.

B. Inquiries

Questions and inquiries regarding this RFP must be received by 5:30 p.m. PST on Thursday,

February 12, 2026, and directed in writing by email to Polly Robertson, Management Analyst,

at probertson@delmar.ca.us. All inquiries must reference “RFP 2026-01 Citywide Landscaping

Services” in the title or subject line. Questions and inquiries submitted over the telephone will

not be accepted.

C. Submittal Requirements

Proposals are due on or before Tuesday, February 24, 2026, no later than 5:30 p.m. PST.

Your proposal should be submitted via email to Polly Robertson, Management Analyst, at

probertson@delmar.ca.us. The submittal must reference “RFP 2026-01 Citywide Landscaping

Services” in the title or subject line. Facsimile submittals will not be accepted.

II. ANTICIPATED TIMELINE

Anticipated timeline for RFP process is outlined below and is subject to change without notice:

Action

Notice of RFP

Questions Due

Responses to Questions Posted

Deadline to Submit Proposals

City Staff Review of Proposals

Selected Firm Notified

City Council Consideration of Agreement

Agreement Start Date

Tentative Timeline

February 3, 2026

February 12, 2026 by 5:30PM

February 17, 2026

February 24, 2026 by 5:30PM

February 26, 2026

March 2, 2026

March 17, 2026

April 1, 2026

City of Del Mar

Citywide Landscaping Services RFP No. 2026-01

Page 2 of 16

III. SCOPE OF SERVICES REQUIRED

A. Detailed Scope of Services

 The scope of services includes turf management; shrub/flower bed maintenance;

fertilization; sweeping of artificial grass surfaces and cleaning of hardscape; environmental

weed and pest control program; and irrigation equipment and operations for all locations

identified in this RFP. The City is responsible for water usage costs.

 It is the responsibility of the Contractor to visit the site and become familiar with the project

location and maintenance needs. It is the City’s expectation that all land care and

maintenance items identified in this RFP will be addressed.

 Contractor must have a certified Recycled Water Site Supervisor.

B. Locations/Facilities to Be Serviced

Locations/Facilities to Be Serviced are listed within Attachment A – Fee Schedule, of this

document. The locations are also demonstrated on Exhibit 1 – Map with the Service

Locations. The documents listed below are intended to be complementary so that work

called for in one and not mentioned in another shall be executed as if mentioned in all

documents. All proposing contractors shall be responsible for familiarizing themselves with

the conditions and requirements of the proposal prior to submitting one.

C. Project Administration and Coordination

 Kick-off Meeting. Upon contract award, Contractor shall conduct a kick-off meeting with

the City to review the scope of the project, develop a project schedule, and confirm

deliverables. The project schedule shall include each task and subtasks, staffing plans

and frequencies.

 Coordination. Facilities to be serviced are owned by the City of Del Mar. It is the

responsibility of the Contractor to coordinate any interactions that may need to occur with

various City departments or outside agencies throughout the provided services.

D. Additional Site Conditions

 Tie off, with the appropriate safety harnesses by qualified employees must be complied

with at each time outside where the fall height is greater than five (5) feet. No exceptions.

E. Shrubs, Plants and Vines

1. Pruning

 All personnel will be trained in fall protection procedures when working in elevated

planters. These individuals must have the proper and certified equipment when

working in said planters.

 Shrubs shall be pruned to allow air to pass through shrubs. All dead material shall be

removed. “Hedge Pruning” is prohibited.

 Shrubs and vines shall be pruned to maintain growth within space limitations, to

maintain/ enhance the natural growth habit, or eliminate diseased/damaged growth.

Some species shall be trimmed appropriately to influence flowering and fruiting, or to

improve vigor.

 Shrubs and vines must be trimmed as needed to permit unobstructed passage to

residents or vehicles. Trimming near vehicular entry or exits shall be carried out to

prevent sight restrictions.

City of Del Mar

Citywide Landscaping Services RFP No. 2026-01

Page 3 of 16

 Shrubs shall be pruned to conform with the design concept of the landscape. Individual

shrubs shall not be clipped into balled or boxed forms, except where specifically

instructed.

 Vines shall be pruned to control growth and direction, and shall not be allowed to grow

over windows, doors or other structural features, unless directed by the City. Vines

shall not be allowed to grow over the crowns of shrubs or trees.

 Pruning shall be accomplished to promote structural strength and accentuate the

plant.

 Flowering plants will be trimmed to remove dead blooms (dead head).

2. Fertilization

 Most shrubs and vines should be fertilized annually. Plants that have reached maturity

may not require annual fertilization.

 All actively growing plants, not yet at maturity, shall be fertilized yearly during the

months of February through March. Apply an appropriate organic slow-release, long

lasting complete fertilizer, controlled release fertilizer, or plant tablets at the

manufacturer’s recommended application rate.

 All plants shall be observed for signs of nutrient deficiencies and treated to correct

deficiencies throughout the year. Nutrient deficiency shall be brought to the attention

of the Landscape Specialist and properly identified prior to treatment.

 Must be an approved organic fertilizer.

F. Turf Care

 Mowing: Warm season grass: Shall be mowed (maintained) with at a height of ¾” to 1”.

All turf areas shall be cut at regular weekly intervals to maintain a neat appearance at all

times. Cool season grass: Turf shall be mowed with mowers at a height of three inches

(3”) during the spring, summer and fall. In the winter, turf areas shall be mowed at a height

of 2”. Excess clippings which present an undesirable appearance shall be removed from

the turf.

 Edging and Trimming: Turf edges adjacent to walks, curbs, paving mow strips, walls,

fences, poles, buildings, shrub areas and other physical obstructions shall be trimmed

weekly. “Weed eaters” or similar equipment shall not be used around trees or shrubs.

 Aeration/Renovation: All turf areas to be aerated during the months of March and

October by removing half inch (1/2”) diameter by three inches (3”) deep cores with an

aerator machine at not more than six inch (6”) spacing. CONTRACTOR shall flag all

irrigation sprinklers prior to commencement of work. Cores shall be dragged or removed

(by mowing) after completion of aeration.

 Aerification Mowing shall be performed twice a year, April and October.

 Renovation shall be performed once a year, in the fall months (October-December)

or off-peak season.

 Overseeding: To be completed twice annually and scheduled in conjunction with aeration

schedule during April and October months. Overseeing to be included in contractors bid

under Fertilization line item pricing for all natural grass areas as listed in bid schedule.

 Fertilization: Apply a complete controlled release fertilizer (e.g. Nature Safe Organic

fertilizer 27-2-2 with UflexxTM) at appropriate intervals, after aeration operations, so as to

maintain a healthy, actively growing turf.

 Disease, insect and rodent Control: The Contractor shall regularly inspect all turfed

City of Del Mar

Citywide Landscaping Services RFP No. 2026-01

Page 4 of 16

areas for presence of disease, insect or rodent infestation. The Contractor shall advise

the Project Coordinator within four (4) days if disease, insect or rodent infestation is found;

Contractor shall identify the disease, insect or rodent, and specify control measures to be

taken. Upon approval by the Project Coordinator, the Contractor shall implement the

approved control measures, exercising extreme caution in the application of all sprays,

dusts, or other materials utilized. Approved control measures shall be continued until the

disease, insect or rodent is controlled to the satisfaction of the Project Coordinator. The

Contractor shall utilize all safeguards necessary during disease, insect or rodent control

operations to ensure safety of the public and the employees of the Contractor, in

accordance with current standard practices accepted by the State of California Dept. of

Food and Agriculture. If contractor is unable to control the pest or disease, a pest control

company will be hired, and the billing will be deducted from contractor’s monthly payment.

All individuals who supervise the mixing and application of herbicides, pesticides and

rodenticides shall possess valid Qualified Applicators Certificate for Category B issued to

them by the State Dept. of Food and Agriculture.

G. Ground Covers

1. Trimming

 Prune groundcover as required to contain perimeter growth to within bed areas where

adjacent to walks, curbs, and structures. Mature groundcover will be maintained at a

consistent appearance with a beveled or rolled edge at hard surfaces.

 Ground covers shall not be allowed to touch or cover the crowns of shrubs and trees.

 Some ground covers may require cutting back to remove woody growth and promote

vigor. This shall be performed at the direction of the Landscape Specialist.

2. Fertilization

 Fertilization shall coincide with the growing season of each specific ground cover. One

application of a complete fertilizer in the spring, per manufacturer’s recommended

rate, adequate for established ground covers.

 April 1 to April 15: apply granular fertilizer 12-12-12 at a rate of 1-pound actual nitrogen

per 1000 square feet. This rate is 8.5 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. or 365 lbs. per acre.

 May 15 to May 31: apply granular fertilizer 21-0-0 ammonium sulphate at a rate of one-

half pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. This rate is 2.4 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. or

1051 lbs. per acre.

 July 1 to July 15: apply granular fertilizer 32-0-0 ammonium nitrate at a rate of one-

half pound actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet. The rate is 1.6 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. or

68 lbs. per acre.

 September 1 to September 15: apply granular fertilizer 16-16-16 at a rate of one pound

of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. The rate is 6.2 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. 0. or 275 lbs. per

acre.

 Plant materials shall be fertilized where there are signs of nutritional deficiencies or a

desire for additional growth-this should be scheduled four (4) times per year.

 Must be an approved organic fertilizer (Nature Safe Brand – Organic Fertilizers).

H. Disease and Rodent Control

 All chemical controls must be applied under the supervision of a licensed and qualified

applicator who possesses a valid California Qualified Pesticide Applicator License.

 A qualified pest control applicator, following the procedures set forth in the labeling of the

City of Del Mar

Citywide Landscaping Services RFP No. 2026-01

Page 5 of 16

product, as required by law.

 Healthy plants should be able to withstand minor disease and insect damage without

controls. Routine application of pesticides shall not be practiced, as this destroys natural

predator-prey relationships in the environment.

 Where usually high infestations or infections occur, an accurate identification of the

disease or insect shall be made, and the control selected with care, prior to application.

 The Landscape Specialist shall be provided with the labeling for each pesticide used

before the product is applied.

 Rodents shall be trapped or controlled with approved baits.

 Disease control to be included in the Fertilization line item on the bid schedule.

I. Weed Control

Contractor will at all times be in compliance with requirements for hazardous communications

programs. Pest control specialists are to be trained and supervised in the safe application,

storage, and disposal of chemicals in accordance with EPA, OSHA, and DPR regulations.

Use of Round-Up, Ranger-Pro, or any other product with Glyphosate is prohibited. Violations

of any of these requirements may lead to a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per day, per violation.

Cheetah Pro, manufactured by Nufarm or equal herbicide shall be used for weed control. All

products shall be identified and approved by the Landscape Specialist prior to use.

J. Weed Removal

Weeds shall be removed from all turf grass areas, shrubs and ground cover areas, planters,

tree wells, slopes, cracks in paved areas, including sidewalks, areas covered with ornamental

rocks and bark mulch, and in curbs and gutters. The weeds shall be pulled on a weekly basis.

For the purpose of this specification, a weed will be considered “any undesirable or misplaced

plant”. Weeds shall be controlled by manual, mechanical, or chemical methods, but NO

chemicals are to be used in City’s Parks, on the turf, or at the Winston School, only in planters

and medians throughout the City. The Project Coordinator may restrict the use of chemical

weed control in certain areas.

Center island maintenance shall include the removal of weeds growing in all paved or unpaved

surfaces of the center island.

K. Pre-Emergent Control

 All areas dressed in decomposed granite and artificial grass or natural ground shall be

treated with pre-emergent herbicide twice yearly: in spring between February 15 and

March 15, and in fall between October 15 and November 15. The pre-emergent must

receive 0.511 of rain or be watered in within 10 days of application.

 Areas seeded with wildflowers shall be identified by the Landscape Specialist and shall

not be treated with pre-emergent herbicide.

 Weed control will also be addressed in the cracks of concrete paving and or adjacent

cracks where weeds can germinate.

 Pre-Emergent Control will be included in Fertilization line item on the bid schedule.

L. Post-Emergent Control

 All areas shall be kept free of weeds. Organic Chemical and/or mechanical means may

be used as appropriate. If any weeding is not performed, maintenance will be considered

unsatisfactory.

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

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Citywide Landscaping Services

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